HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-16 ad Hoc - Library Landscape Committee MinutesiiECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
� Town of Reading READING, MA.�h•L
Meetin
g Minutes 2023 MAR 20 AM 9: 31
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee
Date: 2023-02-16 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Public Library Location: Conference Room
Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Cherrie Dubois, Genady Pilyaysky, Jake Soucy, Elaine Stone, Walter Talbot,
Desiree Zicko
Members - Not Present:
Andrea Hogan
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Director
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jake Soucy, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
1. Call to Order at 7:02 p.m.
11. Welcome an Introductions
Members introduced themselves at this first meeting of the Library Landscape
Committee (Ad Hoc)
a. Elaine Stone: Lives in the Memorial Park area, very interested in native
gardening, and affiliated vdth the Mass Audubon organization.
b. Desiree Zicko: Communications Specialist at the Reading Public Library,
Reading resident, and interested on how to extend the mission of the Library
outside the building.
c. Genady Pilyaysky (Gena): Lives in the Library neighborhood, member of the
Climate Advisory Committee, and very interested in sustainability.
d. Walter Talbot (Walt): New to Reading, member of the Climate Advisory
Committee, and very interested in sustainability.
e. Jake Soucy: Closest Library neighbor and curious about use of Library property.
f. Cherrie Dubois: Library Trustees, lifetime library user and resident.
g. Amy Lannon: Library Director, Ex Officio (non-voting) member, and participating
as advisor, liaison and to take minutes.
III. Overview
Amy Lannon described the background of the idea to form the committee. Cherrie
Dubois discussed how the 2016 renovation did not maximize the opportunity to make the
exterior of the Library more attractive and functional.
Discussion Points included:
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• Jake Soucy: Wants to make sure the design and implementation includes ongoing/future
maintenance. He also mentioned that the design should take into account storm water
run off and how any changes need to consider impact on neighboring homes and
roadways. He also suggested thinking about the human -based activities as a starting
point.
• Walter Talbot: Asked about funding. Amy Lannon said that the Library does not
anticipate using town funds (capital request) or the Library budget for the project. She
expects to pursue grants and look to fundraising groups such as the Reading Public
Library Foundation to pay for the project.
• Elaine Stone: Noted that not many gathering spaces in town and that the recent pocket
park on Gould Street has been a nice addition. She sees an opportunity to create a
neighborhood space around the Library.
• Desiree Zicko: Discussed opportunities to incorporate or be intentional in supporting
library programs like Story Walk, classes, or outdoor learning.
• Stone/Soucy: Both discussed accessibility through hardscaping including pathways and
raised beds.
• Dubois/Lannon discussed potential field trips for committee members: Trustee of the
Reservation sites, Tower Hill, Garden in the Woods, other local garden centers like
Mahoney's may be good resources as well.
• Gently Pilyaysky request future meetings include whimboards or flip charts to use for
brainstorming to capture all the ideas.
• Other Thoughts:
o Human impact on our environment
o Sustainability
o Pollinators
o Native plants
o Size and scale (concerts for 100 or classes for 10)
o Availability of property maps from facilities or DWP (topographical)
o Set some goals, priorities, and time frame.
o Learn more about procurement and other community development projects.
Consider inviting experts (e.g. Andrew McNichol from Town Hall) to present or
educate the board.
o Lighting considerations (neighborhood, safety)
IV. Expectation: The group discussed expectations including regular attendance and being
fair to each other if someone no longer has time or too many conflicts to participate.
Vacations are OK (and encouraged!), please be clear with communicating availability.
V. Election of Officers
Chair: Genady Pilyaysky (Zicko/Stone) 6-0
Vice Chair: Cherde Dubois (Pilyaysky/Soucy) 6-0
Secretary Jake Soucy (Pilyaysky/Zicko) 6-0
VI. Future Meetings and Next Steps
a. Create a space inventory (what areas should or could be included in discussions)
b. Members should walk around the property. Feel free to take picture and jot doom
ideas.
c. Request any surveys and maps from DPW and Facilities.
d. Create a survey about using the outside area.
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e. Schedule open forums and invite neighbors.
f. Consider creating shared drive / google drive (with in Open Meeting Law
Guidelines).
VII. Adjournment
Adjournment 8:09 p.m.
Motion: To Adjourn (Cmko / Pilyaysky)
Vote: Approved 60
Respectfully Submitted,
el
Jake Soucy, Secretary
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